As longtime Astros fan, Tal Smith will bring needed guidance and strength to that GM role. Purpura, yes, was in over his head. Garner was and is a fan favorite and, unfortunately, didn't have the jets this year working for him. Now here's a thought: Is it time for Drayton McLane to sell the Astros to Nolan Ryan's group? I mean, Ryan's group runs the Astros' Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock (near Austin) and Double-A affiliate in Corpus Christi. Both franchises have great ballparks and are run on the up-and-up. That type of success could ... I say, could ... carry the Astros to the bigger rung. Potentially back to the Series.

Purpura was in way over his head. Garner had name value in Houston, but was otherwise a generic manager who didn't bring anything special. The Astros can do better in both spots.

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When did pennants become not special?

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I agree. It's not like every manager in Houston's history won a pennant. Twenty-eight managers a year don't win a pennant, and some never do. Garner's got to get a little bit of credit for 2005, even if his team was laughed out of the Series by the best team in baseball.